Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint Takes over Georgia

Posted on December 10, 2013.

With 13 Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint locations successfully operating in Metro Atlanta, it’s time for the top fast casual pizza franchise to expand into North Georgia. A new development agreement with franchisee Briann Welborn is doing just that. After 25 years managing quick serve restaurant concepts for franchise owners with Subway, McDonald’s and Taco Bell, Welborn is branching out on his own to become the owner and operator of three Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint locations. Welborn plans to open his locations in Forsyth and Hall counties, with sites in Cumming, Dawsonville and Gainesville. He anticipates his first Uncle Maddio’s unit will open in mid-2014.

Welborn is the 35th franchisee this year to sign on with Uncle Maddio’s, the original create-your-own pizza franchise. Uncle Maddio’s projects a banner year for 2014, as the company plans to open 35 new units with 165 additional locations in development. Uncle Maddio’s is the fastest growing concept in the fast casual pizza category.

“With more than two decades of franchise restaurant experience, I know I made the right choice by joining the Uncle Maddio’s team for my franchise business,” says Welborn, North Georgia franchisee, Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint. “‘Served With Love’ says it all. The culture and expertise of the entire team is far superior to any franchise that I’ve ever worked with. Uncle Maddio’s treats their franchisees and franchisee teams with respect, and that is what sold me on the concept.”

Recipient of the Golden Bell on behalf of his Taco Bell franchisee employers, Welborn is now joining forces with his wife, Melissa, and family as they build their company.

“My wife is gluten free and did not eat pizza for two years,” says Welborn. “She was sold on Uncle Maddio’s the first time she tasted their delicious, buttery gluten-free crust. Uncle Maddio’s offers more variety than anyone in the category,” says Welborn. “The fact that Uncle Maddio’s locations do not have freezers or microwaves is proof that everything is fresh.”

Founder Matt Andrew emphasis variety and choice, so that every customer is able to create their own pizzas, salads and paninis. Uncle Maddio’s offers a made-from-scratch 9-inch individual pizza with up to three toppings, baked in 6-minutes, for $6.99. Completely customizable, guests choose one of three crusts, including a gluten-free option, and have the choice of 48 toppings including six sauces, 27 vegetables and 15 meats. Uncle Maddio’s offers healthful options like whole wheat and gluten-free crusts, hormone-free chicken, fresh local vegetables, Daiya vegan cheese and organic greens. A “take and bake” option offers a quick family meal at home.

The menu also features create-your-own salads with a vast buffet of crisp garden-fresh vegetables, as well as a pre-imagined menu full of signature salads such as Greek, Chicken Caesar, and Santa Fe. Toasted panini sandwiches, including choice creations such as Maddio’s Steak and Cheese, Basil Chicken, Tuscan Meatball, Turkey Bacon Cheddar and more.

“With more than 5-million choices, there is something for everyone at Uncle Maddio’s,” said Andrew. “We are excited to expand our footprint in our home state of Georgia, and we look forward to growing our brand with experienced, dedicated partners, such as Briann and Melissa, in all four corners of Georgia and beyond.”

Celebrating its 5th year, Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint is the original create-your-own fast casual pizza restaurant. Operating 18 restaurants in six states, Uncle Maddio’s is the fastest growing fast casual pizza brand in the US, with an additional 35 franchise restaurants in development for 2014, and 165 units committed through its franchisee network. Uncle Maddio’s pizzas are completely customizable, made-to-order, and served up in just six minutes for under $7. Uncle Maddio’s offers four pizza sizes, three types of crusts, including gluten-free, six sauces, and 48 fresh toppings, many vegan, organic, and hormone-free. The freshest and largest menu in the category, Uncle Maddio’s also serves toasted paninis and gourmet salads — all prepared with locally sourced ingredients and salad dressings that are made daily. Based in Atlanta, Uncle Maddio’s management team has 50 years combined experienced in the fast casual category. Uncle Maddio’s has targeted Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, and Virginia.